Dale Lovell and colleagues at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, measured lactate levels in 25 rugby players after they'd exercised wearing either spandex-like compression garments or regular shorts.

Lactate levels were significantly lower in players kitted out in the compression garments, possibly because they stimulate blood flow that clears the substance. Lactate is associated with muscle fatigue, quick removal may improve performance (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31821764f.

Is this supposed to be surprising news? I thought everyone knew that by now.

I can definitely tell the difference between different brands of cycling shorts that have varying levels of compression on the quads. I have a few pairs I will only wear on short rides, because I need the compression on centuries or big climbs.

erik911sd saidIs this supposed to be surprising news? I thought everyone knew that by now.

Well - this is the first study I've heard of that substantiates the manufacturers' claims about compression gear. It suggests that CG aids active recovery, but it doesn't make any claims one way or the other about how it affects athletic performance. The results do sound positive though.